Meeting via ZOOM teleconference.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (17): Dick Drumm, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Bill Dowd, Terry Brewer, Murray Forth, Maggie Forth, Debbie Rodriguez, Doris Calamaras, Dean Calamaras, Charlie Foote, Ray Hannan, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Pat Bailey, Andy Leyhane, Phil Kellerman.

GUESTS: None.

MEETING NOTES: President Dick welcomed members to our first 7 p.m. meeting. He said current plans are to continue holding weekly 7 p.m. ZOOM meetings, with an eye toward holding in-person meetings at least monthly when we finalize a new meeting space. Dick provided an update on the potential of using the 1,500-square-foot basement space of his vet clinic as our meeting room. A new floor has been installed, baseboard heating is in place, and he thinks there is sufficient space. He asked our two doctors — Jim and Roberto — to check it out, and they did so this week. Jim said it is a good possibility to host occasional in-person meetings there once we are satisfied the air handling and seating configuration are sufficient. …

Treasurer Murray Forth reported that he has received approximately $2,000 so far from members making donations under our new fundraising process as explained at a meeting, posted on the website, and emailed to all members. (Click here to see the details again.) A general discussion was held on fundraising. Terry Brewer and Roberto both provided refresher explanations on giving and budgeting, and Terry and Debbie Rodriguez mentioned that money had been made via several summer events, so we are seeing a fair amount of money coming into the treasury. Dick asked Bill Dowd to update and re-distribute the explanation of the new process to the members. … Murray also reported that we have three people who still have not paid their 2020-21 dues that were due back on July 1 but for whom the club has paid their District and RI dues. Under the recently-passed Bylaws change, we can remove them from the membership roles. The consensus was to try contacting each of them yet again before taking that action. …

Bill reported that we have collected in the range of $800 so far through the CLYNK recycling program. When we hit the $1,000 mark, the cost of one ShelterBox package, he will have a check drawn for purchase of a ShelterBox and deliver it to the local liaison. He urged people to keep drinking. … The annual Gift of Life Golf Tournament remains on schedule for next Monday, September 21, at the Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland. SRC has three teams entered. Dean Calamaras said volunteers still are needed for the event. Anyone interested is asked to contact Rich Suker, who is coordinating the event, at Richs@gmail.com as soon as possible. …

Debbie Rodriguez reported that the Danes Rotaract at UAlbany held a telephone conference call on Monday as part of its annual reorganization. It is trying to figure out fundraising efforts to be held within pandemic guidelines issued by the university. She also said that nationally, the age limit has been discarded by Rotaract. Consequently, several members who had “aged out” have rejoined. … Members were reminded to sign up for the September 26 virtual Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) day-long event. As always, the club will pay the fee. Details and registration link are available online.